Pregabalin abuse after past substance-seeking behavior

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2013 May;51(5):441-2. doi: 10.5414/CP201881.

Abstract

Pregabalin is a prescription drug, structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Following the rapidly increasing use of pregabalin, data signaling its abuse liability have been published recently. We report a case of a 19-year-old man with a history of cannabis and alcohol-seeking behavior that showed similar drug-seeking behavior with pregabalin. This report highlights the potential for abuse of pregabalin in patients with a history of substance-seeking behavior. Considering that the drug has recently been proposed as a treatment for alcohol- and benzodiazepine-dependence a better clarification of its abuse potential is essential.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Drug-Seeking Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology*
  • Marijuana Smoking / psychology*
  • Pregabalin
  • Young Adult
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / adverse effects
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Pregabalin
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid